Key Takeaways
- Arati Prabhakar, Biden’s chief science adviser, discusses the role of science and innovation in political decision-making and the need to promote scientific and economic competitiveness with China.
- Prabhakar’s experience at NIST, DARPA, and in Silicon Valley have given her a unique perspective on the innovation system in the US.
- The Biden administration’s focus on semiconductor supply chains, climate and energy technologies, and biomanufacturing are key areas for investment and growth.
- While acknowledging the challenges facing the world, Prabhakar remains confident and optimistic about the future, believing that scientists and engineers have the agency to change the arc of the future.
The United States’ position as a leader in scientific and technological innovation has been challenged by China in recent years. As a result, the Biden administration has outlined a vision for an economy fueled by science, innovation, and a bullish brand of industrial policy to promote scientific and economic competitiveness with China. In a recent interview with Nature, Arati Prabhakar, Biden’s chief science adviser and director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), discussed the administration’s focus on innovation, the challenges facing the US, and the role of scientists and engineers in shaping the future.
Experience and Perspective
Prabhakar’s experience in public service at NIST and DARPA, as well as her time in Silicon Valley, have given her a unique perspective on the innovation system in the US. She believes that the role of science, technology, and innovation has always been to blow open new pathways that just weren’t visible before and to find new ways to meet our aspirations. The role of the OSTP is to look at the entire chessboard and shape the innovation system so that it’s better at meeting our aspirations in these times.
Implementing Investments
The Biden administration has secured significant legislation to promote science and innovation over the coming decade. The challenge now is to implement these major investments, which will translate into changes in the lives of Americans. Prabhakar believes that the administration’s focus on semiconductor supply chains, climate and energy technologies, and biomanufacturing are key areas for investment and growth. These investments will create resilient supply chains that support well-paying jobs, decarbonize the economy, and build industries and jobs here at home.
Competing with China
China’s behavior has changed, and the US faces some very real threats. However, Prabhakar believes that it’s possible to compete with China while maintaining scientific openness and treating individuals fairly. The challenge is to navigate practical ways to manage these multiple issues.
Science and Political Polarization
US society is sharply divided politically, and there is a risk that science itself may become a victim of political polarization. Prabhakar believes that science contributes facts that need to be weighed along with values to make choices. She thinks that scientists and engineers can do a little bit better in how they provide information into the fray. At the end of the day, she believes that the country and the world continue to respect and appreciate what scientists and engineers contribute.
Taking the Reins
Prabhakar took over as the director of the OSTP from Eric Lander, who resigned after news broke about his mistreatment of staff. When she arrived, she found a cadre of people who were not only incredibly qualified but were running to work in the morning to get big things done. Prabhakar’s expectations are clear: treating every individual with dignity, being direct with each other, and working together to achieve these important goals.
The Future of Innovation
The world faces significant challenges, but scientists, engineers, and innovators have the agency to make dreams come true.
Looking Forward
Prabhakar remains confident and optimistic about the future. She believes that scientists and engineers have the agency to change the arc of the future. While acknowledging the challenges facing humanity, Prabhakar is encouraged by the work that is being done in areas such as semiconductors, climate and energy technologies, and biomanufacturing. She believes that these investments will not only create jobs and industries but also solve some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Conclusion
Arati Prabhakar’s experience in public service and Silicon Valley, combined with her role as Biden’s chief science adviser, gives her a unique perspective on the US innovation system. She believes that the US must promote scientific and economic competitiveness with China, invest in key areas such as semiconductor supply chains, climate and energy technologies, and biomanufacturing, and maintain scientific openness while treating individuals fairly. While the challenges facing humanity are significant, Prabhakar remains confident and optimistic about the future and believes that scientists and engineers have the agency to change the arc of the future.
